Yeezy was a signature sneaker and apparel line designed by Kanye West in partnership with adidas from 2015 through October 2022. The partnership produced the most influential signature sneaker collection of the 2010s and redefined sneaker resale culture before ending abruptly due to public controversy.
From Nike to adidas
Kanye West's signature sneaker career began with Nike — the Air Yeezy (2009) and Air Yeezy 2 (2012) remain among the most sought-after Nike releases ever made. After disputes over royalties, West ended his Nike partnership and signed with adidas in December 2013. The first Yeezy Boost 750 released in February 2015 at $350 retail, launching the era.
Core silhouettes
- Yeezy Boost 350 (2015) — Primeknit upper with Boost sole. The "Pirate Black" and "Turtle Dove" are OGs
- Yeezy Boost 350 V2 (2016) — iterated version with "SPLY-350" side striping. "Zebra," "Cream White," "Beluga" became lifestyle staples
- Yeezy Boost 750 (2015) — original high-top Boost silhouette
- Yeezy Boost 700 / Wave Runner (2017) — chunky dad-shoe silhouette that helped define that trend
- Yeezy Boost 500 (2018) — rounded lifestyle silhouette
- Yeezy Foam Runner (2020) — algae-based foam clog
- Yeezy Slide (2019) — molded foam slide, became the most-sold Yeezy ever
Market impact
Yeezy drops consistently sold out instantly at retail and resold for 3-10x MSRP on StockX and GOAT. The "Pirate Black" 350 V1 originally sold at $200 retail and resold for $2,000+ in 2015-2016. At the partnership's 2020-2021 peak, Yeezy generated an estimated $1.7 billion in annual revenue for adidas.
The partnership ends
adidas ended the Yeezy partnership on October 25, 2022 following Kanye West's antisemitic public statements. adidas committed to selling remaining Yeezy inventory in phases through 2023 and 2024, with portions of proceeds donated to organizations combating antisemitism and racism. The last Yeezy drops under adidas's control occurred in mid-2024.
The Yeezy archive remains active on resale markets — older OG colorways continue to appreciate as new inventory dries up. Kanye West launched YZY under his own company in 2024, though without adidas distribution or Boost technology.